Micozzi: Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6Th Edition Glossary

Micozzi: Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6th Edition Glossary

5-HT 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin)

5-HTP 5-Hydroxytryptophan

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) Amino acid precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin

and a metabolite of tryptophan

AB design A simple type of randomized experiment that enables, for example, an active

intervention (A) and a control (B) to be compared with scientific rigor

Abiiru Ritual specialist/s

Absolute chance The notion that at the quantum level Nature is fundamentally

unpredictable. For instance, the time when a radioactive substance will decay is

unpredictable, and the description of such events is completely statistical in character.

Accommodation The “tuning out” of repetitive, intrusive stimuli

Acetylcholine A biogenic amine and neurotransmitter

ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone

Action potential Brief increase in positive potential within a nerve relative to that

outside it, when initial stimulus exceeds a certain threshold. Action potentials

propagate along the nerve fiber.

Active information Information contained within Bohm’s quantum potential. Such

information has its own activity.

ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

A-field Magnetic vector potential

Agakeecuru Little old woman harboring Death in her womb

AIDS Acquired immune deficiency syndrome

AIDS-related dementia complex A progressive primary encephalopathy caused by

infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1); it involves principally

the subcortical white matter and deep gray nuclei and is manifested by a variety of

cognitive, motor, and behavioral abnormalities. Called also AIDS dementia complex,

AIDS encephalopathy, HIV encephalitis, HIV encephalopathy, HIV-related

encephalopathy.

Aikido (合気道 ) Japanese martial art, literally ‘the way of unifying (with) life energy’

Ajna आज (‘command’), the sixth chakra, between the eyebrows

AK Applied kinesiology

Alarm point前募穴(‘front mu point’) Acupuncture meridian point on the front of the

body that, when tender, indicates that the associated organ is out of balance; used

together with muscle testing to detect the sequence of meridians underpinning a

particular state of distress

Alexander technique A bodywork technique that uses psychophysical reeducation to

correct dysfunctional habits of posture and movement, based on the principle that

human movement is most fluid when the head leads and the spine follows, so as to

improve postural balance, coordination, and breathing function; relieve stress and

chronic pain; and improve general well-being

Algorithm Term used by Roger Callahan to refer to commonly occurring meridian

sequences underpinning particular states of distress; different states of distress are

associated with different algorithms

Allometric In biology, refers to the observation that structural elements, such as

branching networks of tubes found across various species, appear to obey the same

geometrical rules and have therefore share common features in their spatial

organization; in several instances, such networks have been shown to be fractal in

nature; may also be used to describe growth of different parts within an organism at

different rates, or the relations between these parts. (See also Fractal; Scale

invariance).

Allopathic Refers to orthodox medicine, where the therapeutic approach is to treat the

symptoms of a disease with medication whose effect on the body is the opposite of

that of the disease

Allostasis Maintenance by an organism of internal physical or psychological stability by

making changes during situations of challenge

Alpha (all) Quantifies RR interval correlations over all computable timescales

Alpha scaling exponent A nonlinear measure that quantifies the “landscape” of a

complex fluctuation in terms of the correlation properties of successive values that

make up its variation (see Alpha (all), Alpha-1, and Alpha-2); an Alpha value of 0.5

equates to a completely random fluctuation (white noise), whereas a value of 1.5

signifies a random walk fluctuation (Brownian noise) where successive values within

the variability series are correlated only with the preceding value; an Alpha value of 1

is indicative of a broad-bandwidth spectrum (1/f noise) that has scale-invariant or

fractal properties with correlated behavior on multiple timescales; essentially, the

higher the value of Alpha, the smoother the “landscape.”

Alpha waves Brain waves in the electroencephalogram that have a frequency of 8 to 13

per second; they are typical of the normal person awake and in a quiet resting state and

occur principally in the occipital region.

Alpha-1 Analogous to the “short-term memory” of a time series in that it quantifies RR-

interval correlations over short timescales from 4 to 16 beats

Alpha-2 Analogous to the “long-term memory” of a time series in that it quantifies RR-

interval correlations over long timescales from 16 to 64 beats

Amanyare Vaginal secretions

Amata Milk

AMI Apparatus for measuring the function of the meridians and the corresponding

internal organs

Ampère (milliampère, microampère) Unit of electric current

Amplitude Magnitude of change of an oscillation

Anahata अन (‘unbeaten’), the fourth chakra, in the center of the chest

Anandamide An endocannabinoid produced in the brain

Anma (按摩) Traditional form of Japanese massage

ANS Autonomic nervous system

Antibody An immunoglobulin molecule that has a specific amino acid sequence by

virtue of which it interacts only with the antigen that induced its synthesis in cells of

the lymphoid series (especially plasma cells), or with antigen closely related to it.

Antibodies are classified in groups named according to their mode of action, such as

agglutinins, bacteriolysins, hemolysins, opsonins, precipitins, and others. (See

Immunoglobulin.)

Antigen (Ag) Any substance capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a

specific immune response and of reacting with the products of that response, that is,

with specific antibody or specifically sensitized T lymphocytes, or both. Antigens may

be soluble substances, such as toxins and foreign proteins, or particulate, such as

bacteria and tissue cells; however, only the portion of the protein or polysaccharide

molecule known as the antigenic determinant combines with antibody or a specific

receptor on a lymphocyte.

AOM Acupuncture and Oriental medicine

Apoptosis Programmed cell death

Applied kinesiology Term developed by chiropractor George Goodheart; muscle testing

to detect weaknesses in specific muscles that reflect imbalances within the body

Arrhythmia (1) A disturbance in or loss of regular rhythm. (2) Especially, any variation

from the normal rhythm of the heartbeat; it may be an abnormality of the rate,

regularity, or site of impulse origin or the sequence of activation. The term

encompasses abnormal regular and irregular rhythms as well as loss of rhythm.

ART Antiretroviral therapy

Asthenia Lack or loss of strength and energy; weakness

ATP Adenosine triphosphate, the main intracellular energy storage and transfer molecule

Attractor A dynamic behavior pattern under the influence of two or more variables;

attractors can be depicted graphically in two- or three-dimensional space in the form of

phase space plots, which may be used to map the genesis and evolution of complex

dynamic processes over time; a “strange attractor” exhibits nonlinear behavior

Autopoiesis (literally ‘self-creation’) the capacity of an organism for self-renewal or self-

organization on structural, functional, and cognitive levels

Ayurveda A classical system of medicine founded in the Indus Valley civilization and

currently practiced in India. It is distinguished by its emphasis on balance with the

environment and interpersonal communication, and is based on the principles that

humans are microcosmic representations of the entire universe and that health is the

natural end of living in harmony with the environment. The goal of the practitioner is

to maintain or restore the balance of the doshas. Therapy includes diet; herbal, color,

and sound therapies; aromatherapy; application of medicated oils to the skin and

massage; and meditation.

B lymphocytes Bursa-dependent lymphocytes in birds and their counterparts in nonavian

vertebrates including human beings; the cells primarily responsible for humoral

immunity, the precursors of antibody-producing cells (plasma cells). Called also B

cells.

Baduan jin ‘Eight pieces of silken brocade,’ a qigong routine

Bagua (八卦) An internal martial art similar to taiji quan

Bandwidth Frequency range spanning a resonance, a measure of how precise a

resonance is

B-field Magnetic field of flux density B

Bias The amount of a steady signal or quantity superimposed on an alternating one

Bifurcation An abrupt change in the behavior and evolution of a complex system or

process, deriving from relatively small changes in one or more parameters governing

its behavior

Bioelectromagnetic-based therapy A therapy that involves unconventional use of

known electromagnetic fields

Bioenergy The energy of life

Biofield Energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body but are as

yet scientifically unproven

Biofield therapy A therapy intended to affect energy fields

Biomolecule backbone A linear biomolecule made up of linking simpler molecules

(monomers)

Biophoton Photons produced by cellular activity

Biphasic stimulation Using treatment probes of alternating polarity

Bipolar leads The simplest way of obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) using two

electrodes, with one positive and one negative lead

Black bile One of the four humors in Yunani, along with blood, phlegm, and yellow bile

Blood One of the four humors in Yunani, along with black bile, phlegm, and yellow bile

Bowing Imparting a bending or microflexion movement to a limb or bone bpm Heart beats per minute

Breath of Life For Homer, around 800 BC, it vivified the body, and was inhaled with the

air and passed to the blood and heart. The body of Homeric man was thus permeable

to winds and drives; emotions were “breathed into him by a god.”

Bunyoro Formerly powerful country now part of Rwanda

Buqi (布氣) Literally, ‘spreading qi’; an ancient Chinese practice akin to proximal

healing with external qigong in which qi is “spread” or “infused” by the healer to the

recipient

C pain fiber Unmyelinated nerve fiber involved in pain perception c The speed of light (approximately 300,000 kilometres per second)

CAM complementary and alternative medicine

Capsid Protein shell around the virus particle

Cartesian split The division between mind and body prevalent in Western thought,

particularly since Descartes

Catabolism Any destructive metabolic process by which organisms convert substances

into excreted compounds

Causal diagnostic procedure Muscle testing procedure developed by Roger Callahan to

discern the precise meridian sequence underpinning a particular state of distress

experienced by a particular person; provides a more individual sequence than ready-

made algorithms, which are generalizations from many individuals

Causative factor Principle used within a branch of Five-Element Acupuncture developed

by J.R. Worsley that categorizes individuals into five constitutional or “CF” Types

according to the five “Elements” of antiquity: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood

CBT Cognitive behavioral therapy

CD4+ A major classification of T lymphocytes, referring to those that carry the CD4

antigen; most are helper cells. Called also CD4 T lymphocytes.

CD8+ A major classification of T lymphocytes, referring to those that carry the CD8

antigen; major subtypes are the cytotoxic T lymphocytes and the suppressor cells.

Called also CD8 T lymphocytes.

Cell Biological structural unit

Cell membrane potential Voltage across the membrane of a biological cell (1/10 V

across a 1/100-µm distance results in a large electric field of the order of 10 MV/m)

Cell-field Energetic field of the cell

CF Causative factor

CFS Chronic fatigue syndrome

Chakra चक (‘wheel’), a constantly moving current (vortex) of energy where prana is

received, assimilated, and transformed. The seven main chakras are located along the

spine, from the perineum in the lower pelvis to the top of the head

Chaos, chaos theory A body of theory applied to the study of complex systems,

including many in the natural world, whose behavior is neither random nor explicable

in terms of linearly deterministic laws

Charge Amount of electricity, a fundamental property of matter

Chlamydia pneumoniae Bacterium sometimes implicated in CFS

Chongmai (衝脈) ‘Penetrating’ vessel, one of the eight extra meridians

Chronic fatigue syndrome Severe fatigue for 6 months or longer characterized by a

constellation of symptoms involving low viral immunity, such as muscle ache, tender

lymph nodes, impaired short-term memory or concentration, headache, malaise after

exertion, and unrefreshing sleep

Cinnabar A red mercury ore

Clear visceral qi Pure and strong qi uncontaminated by improper diet or emotions

CM Chinese medicine

Cognitive behavioral therapy Technique-driven, time-limited therapy based upon a

combination of basic behavioral and cognitive research

Coherence A coherent signal consists of waves with identical parameters of frequency

and amplitude that are also in phase (occurring at the same time); oscillation in unison

of a large ensemble of particles

Coherence domain Region within which there is coherence

Coherence length Distance over which coherence persists

Collarbone breathing Technique originally developed by Roger Callahan, involving a

breathing sequence and tapping, carried out while the fingers are placed on the KI-27

acupoints below the medial ends of the collarbones; used to help correct states of

neurological and energetic disorganization

Conductance Ability to conduct

Connective tissue matrix (living matrix) High-speed, superconductive network for

transmitting information throughout the body

CORE Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation

Correlation Relationship (not necessarily causal) between two systems

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone Hormone secreted in the hypothalamus that controls

release of corticotrophin (adrenocorticotrophic hormone) from the pituitary

Cortisol Stress hormone released from the adrenal cortex

Couplet Pair of yin and yang organs associated with a particular Element

Coxiella burnettii Bacterium sometimes implicated in CFS

Cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI), or cranial rhythm An impulse that is capable of

moving the cranial bones through a range of movement that, although very small, is

palpable to well-trained hands

Craniosacral therapy A system of manipulation by light touch whose purpose is to

facilitate the body's self-healing capacity by finding and correcting cerebrospinal fluid

blockages and imbalances within the craniosacral system (the dura mater of the central

nervous system (CNS) and the cerebrospinal fluid within it) that are supposed to cause

sensory, motor, or intellectual dysfunction.

CRF Corticotrophin-releasing factor

Criticality See Edge of chaos.

CRPS Complex regional pain syndrome

CV Cardiovascular

Cycloxygenase (or cyclooxygenase) Enzyme that catalyzes formation of several

inflammatory mediators

Cytokine Effector glycoprotein that modulates both proinflammatory and anti-

inflammatory regulators. Type 1 cytokines promote cell-mediated responses, type 2

favor humoral responses.

Cytotoxicity The degree to which an agent possesses a specific destructive action on

certain cells or the possession of such action; used particularly in referring to the lysis

of cells by immune phenomena and to antineoplastic drugs that selectively kill

dividing cells

Damp (shi, 濕) A yin pathogenic factor, heavy (flowing downward), sticky, and dirty

Dantian (丹田) ‘Elixir field’ (or ‘cinnabar field’), where one substance is transformed

into another

Daoyin A therapeutic healing and self-healing practice from the Chinese medical

tradition, with noncontact variants; literally, the way of ‘guiding and pulling’ qi

Deficiency (xu, 虛) One of the three main imbalances in CM. Yin deficiency means

insufficiency of yin constituents (essence, blood, fluid, or insufficiency of function in

the yin organs). Qi deficiency is an insufficiency of all its physiological functions, or

its insufficiency in an organ (e.g., spleen qi deficiency, which manifests as

insufficiency of one or several of the spleen’s functions).

DHA Docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 essential fatty acid

Direct current Current that flows continuously in one direction without pulsing

Divergent meridian (jingbie, 經別) Vertical branches of the 12 primary acupuncture

meridians, sometimes known as the “distinct” meridians

DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid

Do (道) Way

Domain Region or zone being investigated (as in “time domain”)

Donggong Moving qigong

Dopamine A neurotransmitter

Dysmorphia Excessive preoccupation with a negative body self-image

Dysphoric Anxious, depressed, or otherwise uneasy

E Elementary unit of charge, charge of a single electron; (1.602176487(40) × 10-19

coulombs)

EAV Electroacupuncture according to Voll

EBV Epstein-Barr virus

ECG Electrocardiogram

Ectopic beat A heartbeat originating at some point other than the sinus node

ED Energetic driver (fields)

Edge of chaos Qualitative term describing the dynamic state of coexistence between

contrasting states of order and chaos within a complex system; frequently applied to

living systems that are at, or near, a critical point

EEG electroencephalography

Effector (1) An agent that mediates a specific effect (e.g., an allosteric effector or an

effector cell). (2) An organ that produces an effect (e.g., contraction or secretion, in

response to nerve stimulation). Called also effector organ.

EFT Emotional freedom technique

EI Energetic integrator (fields)

Eight extraordinary channels (qi jing ba mai, 奇經八脈) Vessels that regulate the flow

of Qi among the internal organs and 12 meridians when ordinary methods fail. They

function as reservoirs of qi and blood.

Electrical potential The potential energy per unit charge of an electrically charged

particle placed in an electrical field

Electroacupuncture according to Voll (EAV) Influential system developed by

Reinhold Voll from the 1950s onward, involving both measurement and treatment at

acupoints, as well as remedy testing

Electrocardiogram The electric signal recorded from the heart via surface skin

electrodes, representing the sequence of electrophysiological events occurring during a

heartbeat or continuous series of heartbeats

Electro-massage A method of massage in which the practitioner’s hands are used as

electrodes

EMDR Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

Emotional Freedom Techniques Simplified derivative of Thought Field Therapy (TFT)

Endogenous frequency Frequency with no external cause or source

Energetic driver (fields) Subfields correlated to the organs that arise during fetal

development and that “power” them

Energetic integrator (fields) Nonlinear energy and information pathways in the body-

field similar to meridians in that they regulate many disparate aspects of the body

Energetic terrain (information sequences) Complex energetic and information

structures representing emotional states and other energy configurations

Energy psychology Term originally proposed by Fred Gallo to denote the range of

methods that explore the interface between psyche and the body’s informational

energy fields

Energy toxin The “individual energy toxin” concept was developed by Roger Callahan,

who discovered that sometimes certain foods or environmental pollutants or other

factors (such as electromagnetic disturbance, or geopathic stress) may disrupt a

person's energy system, causing disorganization or psychological reversal, and

blocking the TFT procedure; when these energy toxins are avoided or neutralized, the

TFT procedure would then proceed smoothly.

Entanglement Linkage of two systems so that it is impossible to measure one without

reference to the other, whatever their spatial separation

Enterovirus An RNA virus sometimes implicated in CFS

Entropy Measure of a system’s disorder or tendency toward spontaneous change

EP Energy psychology

EPA Eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 essential fatty acid

Epidermis Outermost, nonvascular layer of the skin

Epinephrine (1) A catecholamine hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla and a

neurotransmitter, released by certain neurons and active in the CNS. (2) A synthetic

preparation of the levorotatory form of epinephrine, used topically as a

vasoconstricting adjunct to local or regional anesthesia, intravenously as a cardiac

stimulant and vasopressor; subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously as a

systemic antiallergic agent in the treatment of severe allergic reactions;

subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intranasally, or by inhalation as a bronchodilator; and

topically to the conjunctiva in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Called also

adrenaline (Great Britain).

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) A virus of the genus Lymphocryptovirus that causes

infectious mononucleosis and is associated with Burkitt lymphoma and

nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Called also human herpesvirus.

Ergometer bicycle A bicyclelike apparatus for measuring the muscular, metabolic, and

respiratory effects of exercise; used to determine cardiac status

ET Energetic terrain (information sequences)

Excess (shi, 實) One of the three main imbalances in CM, the opposite of deficiency,

resulting in signs and symptoms that correlate to excessive, imbalanced functions. A

Western disease correlation would be hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone

levels) as opposed to hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormone). Both of these

result in disease states with specific signs and symptoms.

Explicate order The order of objects that are well defined in space and time

Extension/internal rotation The movement that straightens or increases the angle

between the bones or parts of the body; the process of turning around an axis

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Structured integrative psychotherapy

approach using eye movements to desensitize and reprocess memory-related emotional

distress

Falun gong Literally, ‘practice of the wheel of the law.’ A politicized qigong movement

that started in China in 1992

Feldenkrais method A proprietary system that uses an exploratory technique to enable

patients to relearn dysfunctional movement patterns. Therapy takes two forms:

awareness through movement, in which the patient is guided verbally through

increasingly complex structured movements; and functional integration, in which the

practitioner introduces new motion patterns to the patient by gentle manipulation

Felt sense A subtle perception of feeling or sensation, frequently unfamiliar to the subject

and therefore difficult to name or categorize

Fibromyalgia Syndrome characterized by widespread muscle pains, tactile

hypersensitivity, and fatigue; may also involve sleep disturbance

Field (1) Physical fields (electric, gravitational, etc.) contain energy and exert force; they

are present wherever their effects (electric, gravitational, etc.) are evident. (2)

Mathematical fields are regions of space containing objects.

Five Elements (wuxing, 五行) Wood, fire, earth. metal, water

Flexion/external rotation The act of bending or condition of being bent. Closed

reduction of anterior shoulder dislocation by adducting the arm to the patient's side

with the elbow flexed to 90 degrees as the patient lies supine, then rotating the arm

externally using the forearm as a lever

Fluctuation A recorded variation of output from a system such as the RR-interval time

series that may be characterized statistically according to its dynamic pattern; hence,

random fluctuation (white noise), random walk fluctuation (brownian noise), fractal

fluctuation (1/f ), and multifractal fluctuation.

FM Fibromyalgia

FMS Fibromyalgia syndrome

Fractal An object or process that occupies space or time in a complex way and whose

structure or temporal elements exhibit the property of self-similarity (defined

mathematically as “scale invariance”) on different scales of magnitude; quantity with

no absolute scale of value

Frenulum A small fold of integument or mucous membrane that checks, curbs, or limits

the movements of an organ or part

Frequency Number of cycles or direction changes of a signal (current or radiation) per

second; inversely proportional to wavelength

FSM Frequency-specific microcurrent

Fulcrum (1) The point on which a lever turns (mechanical). (2) A complex geometrical

form, created with the hands, around which, when held stable, a person can reorganize

himself or herself or reorient (dynamic)

Gabapentin Antiseizure medication used for severe chronic inflammatory or functional

pain

Geopathic stress Subtle energy disturbances inherent in the Earth and local physical

environment; sometimes used to refer to the stress on the body due to these

GHRH Growth hormone–releasing hormone

Glial cells Connective tissue cells forming a supportive perineural network

Global scaling theory Mathematical theory that describes and predicts the arrangement

of Nature using logarithmic, fractal nonlinear scales

Glucocorticoid (1) Any of the corticosteroids (steroids produced by the adrenal cortex)

that regulate carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism and inhibit the release of

corticotropin. (2) Of, pertaining to, having the properties or effects of, or resembling

one of these substances.

Glycoprotein A conjugated protein containing one or more covalently linked

carbohydrate residues. Though technically describing conjugates in which the

carbohydrate is less than 4% by weight, the term is often used generically to include

the mucoproteins and proteoglycans.

Golgi tendon organ A tendon mechanoreceptor that monitors muscle tension

Gongnengtong Open perceptions

Ground state Physical state unable to lose energy and so change to a lower state

Growth hormone Hormone stimulating growth, secreted in the anterior pituitary

GSR Galvanic skin response

Gu qi (穀氣) Food-qi, formed by digestion of food in the stomach and the transformation

of food into qi by the spleen; also often called postnatal essence

Guhaanguura ‘To impregnate a woman previously thought sterile’; a plant

Gukama To milk; to dry up

Gusiba inzira Blocking the path

h Planck’s constant; 6.62606896(33) × 10–34 J.s, Joule seconds

HAART Highly active antiretroviral therapy

Hado (char) Innate transforming power

Hara (腹) Abdomen, lower diantian

Healing space A notional space or field, generally in a therapeutic setting involving a

healer and recipient, in which healing and associated phenomena are presumed to

occur

Heart rate variability Relates to the dynamic properties of the heart rate; characterized

by a variety of geometrical, time, or frequency domains, and nonlinear measures with

differing degrees of clinical utility

Heat (re, 熱) A yang pathogenic factor, often associated with feeling hot, thirst,

insomnia, and a rapid pulse

Hematopoiesis The formation and development of blood cells. In the embryo and fetus it

takes place in a variety of sites including the liver, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and

bone marrow; from birth throughout the rest of life it is mainly in the bone marrow

with a small amount occurring in lymph nodes.

“Hidden” information In the context of the ECG, this refers to information embedded

within an RR time series that becomes available only through nonlinear analytical

methods.

Hidden variables First invoked by de Broglie in the 1920s, an attempt to avoid the

acausality of conventional quantum theory by proposing that the electron is guided by

a “pilot wave.” Independently proposed in the 1950s by David Bohm as a hypothesis

in which the electron’s path is causally determined, and later elaborated by him as a

precursor to his theory of the quantum potential

Histamine Biogenic amine involved in the inflammatory response; also a

neurotransmitter

HIV Human immunodeficiency virus

Holograph Using two laser or coherent light beams (one direct and one reflected), a two-

dimensional image (‘hologram’) of an object can be created. Laser light can then be

used again to recreate the wave pattern originally recorded, appearing now as a three-

dimensional image. The entire image can be reconstructed from only a part of the

hologram. This is an instance of the holographic paradigm, which states that the

whole is represented in each of its parts.

Holomovement Bohm’s notion of the movement of the whole

Homeopathy A system of therapeutics founded by Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843), in

which diseases are treated by drugs that are capable of producing in healthy persons

symptoms like those of the disease to be treated, the drug being administered in minute

doses

HPA (axis) Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (axis)

HPA Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal

HRV Heart rate variability

Huangdi Neijing A foundational Chinese medical text, ca. 70 BC

Hun (魂) Ethereal soul, residing in the liver, in contrast to the corporeal soul (po)

associated with the lung

Hypothalamic-pituitary-immune axis Term emphasizing the linkage between an

upregulated HPA axis and an overvigilant immune system that eventually becomes

exhausted along with HPA depletion

Hypothalamic-pituitary axis The interrelationships between the hypothalamus and the

adenohypophysis, both endocrine and neural, including stimulation of the

adenohypophysis by neurosecretory neurons, production of releasing and inhibiting

hormones in the hypothalamus, reception of the hormones at sites on pituitary

acidophils and basophils, production of hormones by acidophils and basophils, and

negative-feedback mechanisms by which high levels of circulating hormones act on

the hypothalamus and adenohypophysis to inhibit secretion of anterior pituitary

hormones. Called also hypothalamus-pituitary axis.

Ida One of the main pathways of nadism that begins at the left base of the spine. The ida

winds around the sushumna like a helix, crossing at the chakras, and ends at the left

nostril.

IFN-gamma Interferon-gamma

IFN-γ Interferon-gamma

Igikoma Porridgey beverage made from sorghum

Igisanza Fluid from the womb in a previous childbirth

Ikigage Beer made from sorghum

IL-4 (6, 10, 12) Interleukin 4 (6, 10, or 12)

Imaana The dynamic principal of life and fecundity, a diffuse fluid, sometimes the

supreme being

Imbuto Seed/s

Immortal embracing the post Basic posture in qigong

Immortality The ability to fully gather one’s consciousness and identity and launch it

away from the physical human form at will

Immunity, cellular Immune response involving T lymphocytes

Immunity, humoral Immunity mediated by antibodies secreted from cells of the B-

lymphocyte lineage

Impa Girl who has reached childbearing age without menstruating

Impanguzi An insect used in Rwandan medicine

Impenebere Woman without breasts

Implicate order An enfolded order that lies beneath the surface manifestations of the

‘explicate order.’ The explicate can enfold into the implicate, and the implicate can

unfold into the explicate.

Imprinting Writing permanently

Imvura idahita ‘Rain that does not cease falling’; a plant

Infoceutical [®] A liquid remedy of purified water and a minute quantity of plant-

derived minerals, imprinted with information that is correlated to the body-field and its

substructures

Informational field Alternative term for the body's energy field, based on Roger

Callahan’s emphasis that it contains information, encoded as meridian sequences

Inkali Urine

Insulin resistance Impairment of normal biological responses to insulin, which may

result from abnormalities in the beta-cell products, binding of insulin to antagonists

such as anti-insulin antibodies, defects in receptors, reduced numbers of receptors, or

defects in the insulin action cascade in the target cell.

Intentionality The use of intention, as a volitional aspect of the mind, to invoke a

response; in the context of daoyin healing, ‘intention’ refers to volitional aspects of

imagination, controlled respiration, and posture.

Interactional field Field relating to the body-field’s interaction with the natural fields of

the Earth and cosmos, and its orientation to them

Interbeat interval The time interval between successive R-wave peaks of the ECG,

expressed in seconds (s) or milliseconds (ms)

Interfacial At or pertaining to an interface

Interference Interaction of two or more waves to produce a resultant wave

Interferential therapy Treatment using interference between two currents of different

frequencies to produce low-frequency stimulation in the region where they interfere

Interleukin A generic term for a group of multifunctional cytokines that are produced by

a variety of lymphoid and nonlymphoid cells and have effects at least partly within the

lymphopoietic system; originally believed to be produced chiefly by and to act chiefly

upon leukocytes

Inzoga y'inturire Honeyed sorghum beer

Iokai School of shiatsu founded by Shitzuto Masunaga, literally ‘Association of the King

of Medicines’

Ion A non-neutral, charged atom or molecule

Ion-pumping cord A wire with a diode in it, only allowing unidirectional flow of current

IP Identified patient

Iron shirt Tieshan (鐵衫) A ‘hard’ or external style of martial art

Irungu Menstrual blood

Ishyano Ritual impurity

Jiangwen Reduce fever

Jin ye Body fluids

Jing (精) Essence, the densest (yin) form of qi

Jing (井) points The end points of the meridians on the fingers and toes

Jingong Still form of qigong

Jo (場) Place

Jue (厥) Complete, minimum, elderly

K The Boltzmann constant (1.3806504(24) × 10−23 J/K, Joules per Kelvin)

Kexue Science

Kexuede qigong Scientific qigong

Ki (氣) Japanese equivalent of qi

Kinetic electrotherapy Electrical treatment with simultaneous active or passive

movement of the affected area

Kinyarwanda One language spoken in Rwanda

Kinyoro The predominant language in Bunyoro

Kong qi (空氣) Air or external qi, the basis for lung qi

kT The energy in Joules corresponding to a Kelvin temperature of T

Kumanikira amaraso Spell to ‘suspend blood’

Kundalini In Hindu tradition, psychospiritual energy that lies dormant in the lowest

chakra

Law of Specificity The more specific the treatment sites, the less stimulus is needed.

Leukocyte A colorless blood cell capable of ameboid movement; there are several

different types, classified into the two large groups granular leukocytes (basophils,

eosinophils, and neutrophils) and nongranular leukocytes (lymphocytes and

monocytes).

Leukopoiesis The production of leukocytes

Li (理) Form, reason, principle of organization

Lianq Learning about qi

Lineage Descent traced down from or back to a common ancestor

Linggan Sensitive

Lipodystrophy (1) Any disturbance of fat metabolism. (2) A group of conditions due to

defective metabolism of fat, resulting in the absence of subcutaneous fat; they may be

congenital or acquired and partial or total.

Lipoxygenase Family of enzymes involved in inflammatory processes

Liu jing xing zheng Six divisions

Living matrix A continuous and dynamic connective tissue “webwork,” extending

throughout the body

Local Correlated behavior of systems within a restricted region that involves a signal or

force (as opposed to “non-local”)

Logical Atomism The philosophical theory that the world consists of ultimate logical,

unambiguous ‘facts’ (or ‘atoms’) that cannot be broken down any further

Lower dantian Abdominal region

Lymphocyte Any of the mononuclear, nonphagocytic leukocytes, found in the blood,

lymph, and lymphoid tissues, that are the body's immunologically competent cells and

their precursors.

Lyrica Trademark for pregabalin

Macrophage Large white blood cell

Magnetic field B-field, arising from and perpendicular to a moving electric charge or

current; measured in teslas, T; (webers per square meter Wb/m2)

Magnetic flux Amount of magnetism passing (flowing) through a given area; measured

in Wb (quantized in units of h/2e)

Magnetic resonance A spinning particle in a magnetic field absorbs energy from the

field and can then reradiate it at a specific resonance frequency.

Magnetic vector potential A-field, mathematically (‘curl’) related to the magnetic field

but in the direction of the associated electric current; measured in Wb/m

Manipura (‘city of jewels’), the third chakra, at the solar plexus

Mantra A word or vocal sound considered to have a particular effect

Marrow washing An advanced qigong practice involving the circulation and

compression of qi through the bones

Matrix (1) The intracellular substance of a tissue or the tissue from which a structure

develops. (2) The groundwork on which anything is cast, or that basic material from

which a thing develops. (3) A mold or a form for casting. (4) A plastic or metal strip

used to support and shape a plastic restorative material. (5) A piece of gold or

platinum foil fitted against the sides and bottom of a cavity, used as a mold in which

porcelain for an inlay is baked. (6) Resin matrix. (7) Term used for the feldspar

component of dental porcelain, which provides a glassy matrix in which quartz

particles are dispersed.

Matter wave Wave aspect of matter in the wave–particle duality

Mechanoreceptor Sensory receptor that is sensitive and receptive to mechanical pressure

or distortion

Melatonin Hormone secreted by the pineal gland

Meridian brushing Exercise to cleanse the acupuncture meridians

MFP myofascial pain

Microsystem System of acupoints in a local area that represents a map of the whole

body; sometimes considered an application of the holographic principle

Middle dantian Heart center

Miller Technique of provocation-neutralization Technique of using successive serial

dilutions of an allergen (or their frequency equivalents) to provoke or neutralize an

allergic reaction (named after Dr. Joseph Miller of Mobile, AL)

Mingmen (命門) Gate of vitality (destiny)

Mixin Superstition, aberrant belief

MLC Meridian-like channel

Modulation Changing patterns of stimulation to reduce accommodation

Morphic field Holistic organizing field at the whole-body level

Morphogenesis The evolution and development of form, as the development of the

shape of a particular organ or part of the body, or the development undergone by

individuals who attain the type to which the majority of the individuals of the species

approximate

MOS-HIV Medical outcomes short form HIV (a health survey)

Mother–Child (sheng, 生) cycle The creative cycle of the five elements: Wood feeds

fire; fire creates earth (ash); earth contains metal; water condenses on metal; water

nourishes wood

Moxibustion (from もぐさ, mokusa, in Japanese) The stimulation of an acupoint by the

burning of a cone or cylinder of moxa placed at or near the point. The cone may be

burned on the skin, either directly or placed on a mediating substance, or at a short

distance from the skin on a cigarlike moxa pole. It may also be burned on the handle of

an acupuncture needle, the heat being transmitted through the needle to the

acupuncture site.

Mukama The King of Bunyoro

Muladhara मूलाधार (‘root place’), the first chakra, at the perineum

Muscle test Use of light pressure on a muscle, so as to allow the body to communicate a

response to a question through subtle variations in muscle tone; the basis of applied

kinesiology and the causal diagnostic procedure of TFT; muscle testing is an art rather

than an objective measure.

NADA National Acupuncture Detoxification Association

Nadi In Ayurveda, any of the channels that carry vital energy through the body

Natural killer cells Lymphocytes called into action as the first defense against invaders

Nei Internal

Neigong Internal qigong

Neijing Inner classic or classic of internal medicine

NES Nutri-energetic systems

Network In neural and biological systems, linked elements in a relationship that confers

structural and functional integrity

Neuroglia The supporting structure of nervous tissue. It consists of a fine web of tissue

made up of modified ectodermal elements, in which are enclosed peculiar branched

cells known as neuroglial cells or glial cells. The neuroglial cells are of three types:

astrocytes and oligodendrocytes (astroglia and oligodendroglia), which appear to play

a role in myelin formation, transport of material to neurons, and maintenance of the

ionic environment of neurons; and microglial cells, which phagocytize waste products

of nerve tissue.

Neurological disorganization Term developed by applied kinesiologists, referring to

subtle forms of disorganization, as in clumsiness, dyslexia, etc., and usually

characterized as problems with contralateral synchronization

Neurontin Gabapentin

Neutral In chemistry, neither acidic nor basic

Neutrophil (1) A mature granular leukocyte that is polymorphonuclear; neutrophils have

the properties of chemotaxis, adherence to immune complexes, and phagocytosis. (2)

Any cell, structure, or histological element readily stainable by neutral dyes.

Newtonian (classical) physics Physics dealing with the motions of bodies distributed

within a certain boundary (‘locally’) under the action of a system of forces

Nilpotency Of two quantities that multiplied together give zero

Nirvana A state in which the underlying unity of all things is realized

Nitric oxide NO (1) A naturally occurring gas that in the body is released from vascular

endothelial cells in response to the binding of vasodilators to endothelial cell

receptors; it causes activation of guanylate cyclase in vascular smooth muscle, leading

to an increase in cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which inhibits muscular

contraction and produces relaxation. (2) A preparation of nitric oxide used in

conjunction with ventilatory support or other agents as a pulmonary antihypertensive;

administered by inhalation.

NK Natural killer

Nociception Neural processes of encoding and processing noxious stimuli

Node Point of minimum amplitude on a standing wave

Non-exudative pharyngitis Type of sore throat, most commonly viral in origin

Nonlinear Property of a system in which output bears a disproportional relationship to

input (in contrast to a linear system, where this relationship is proportional)

Nonlinear system System whose response is not linearly proportional to a stimulus

Non-locality Used to describe two quantum systems that were originally entangled but

are now separated in space, yet remain correlated without the exchange of signals or

forces

Norepinephrine (1) One of the naturally occurring catecholamines, a neurohormone

released by the postganglionic adrenergic nerves and some brain neurons. It is a

powerful vasopressor and is released in the body usually in response to hypotension or

stress. Called also noradrenaline. (2) A pharmaceutical preparation of the same

substance, usually used in the form of the bitartrate salt.

Nutri-Energetic Systems (theory) Comprehensive theory of the human body-field

originated by Peter Fraser

O2 pulse Oxygen uptake per heartbeat at rest

Odic energy or force Energy defined by Karl Ludwig von Reichenbach as being allied

to electricity, magnetism, and heat

OI Opportunistic infection

Oja According to Ayurveda, the imprint of self in the physical body, which arises from

the strength of the metabolism and balance a body maintains in knowing itself, thus

governing the immune system

OM Oriental medicine

Ontogeny The development of the individual organism

Organ flow meditation A method of strengthening the five zang organs by directing the

breath to each of them in turn, in the order of the Mother–Child cycle

Organelle Specialized intracellular structure

Organ-field Energetic field of the organ

Organophosphate Common family of biochemicals frequently used in insecticides and

herbicides

Orgone Wilhelm Reich’s ‘Primordial Cosmic Energy’, universally present and

demonstrable visually, thermically, electroscopically, and by means of Geiger-Mueller

counters.

Osteopenia (1) Any decrease in bone mass below the normal. (2) Reduced bone mass

due to a decrease in the rate of osteogenesis to the extent that there is insufficient

compensation for normal bone lysis.

P, QRS, T, U Heart waves as recorded in the ECG. The P wave is the initial deflection of

the cardiac cycle, representing excitation of the atria. QRS is the portion of the ECG

comprising the Q, R, and S waves, together representing ventricular depolarization. T

wave is the deflection of the normal ECG following the QRS complex; it represents

repolarization, or recovery, of the ventricles. U wave in the ECG is a small positive

deflection usually immediately following the T wave but often poorly separated from

it and so concealed; it is postulated to represent repolarization of the Purkinje fibers or

a mechanical event such as ventricular relaxation. It is not invariably present and is

most often seen in tachyarrhythmias and electrolyte disturbances.

Parasympathetic division of the ANS Conserves energy to promote homeostasis

Paraventricular nucleus A structure situated on the dorsomedial wall of the thalamus,

juxtaposed to the third ventricle

Parvovirus B19 A DNA virus sometimes implicated in CFS

Pathogenic evils [factors] Wind, heat, cold, damp, dryness and so forth

PEP Psychoanalytical energy psychotherapy

Peptide Any member of a class of compounds of low molecular weight that yield two or

more amino acids on hydrolysis

Perineural Around a nerve

Periodic A regular variation in time, characterized with respect to a single timescale

that of a given standard solution. Numerically the pH is approximately equal to the

negative logarithm of H+ concentration expressed in molarity. pH 7 is neutral; above

this point alkalinity increases, and below it acidity increases.

Phase Fraction of a complete cycle of oscillation; coherent oscillations will be “in

phase,” but oscillations of identical frequency and with a phase difference between

them will be “out of phase.”

Phase coherence Maintenance of precise phase relationships of a constant frequency

oscillation in different regions of its domain

Phase space plot A two- or three-dimensional display of data showing the relationship

between two or three variables. In this context, the “phase space” is the two- or three-

dimensional space defined by the axes of the variables.

Phase transition Transition from one “phase” (state) of matter to another

Phase wave Wave that moves in a fixed rhythm as measured against a fixed point; in

bioenergetics, a matter wave that encodes the information specific to that unique entity

Phlegm One of the four humors in Yunani, along with black bile, blood, and yellow bile

Phonon “Particle” of acoustic energy equivalent to the photon for light

Photon Smallest particle of electromagnetic radiation such as light

Piezoelectricity Charge or voltage that appears following mechanical pressure on a

nonlinear material (e.g., quartz or bone); tendency of a crystalline structure, when

deformed or struck, to release an electrical charge

Pingala One of the main pathways of nadism which begins at the base of the spine, on

the right. The pingala winds around the sushumna like a helix, crossing at the chakras

and ends at the right nostril.

PLP Phantom limb pain

PNI Psychoneuroimmunology or psychoneuroimmunological

Polarity agent Any device that applies subtle (minimal) polarized signals to the body;

used by Dr. Manaka to activate only the X-system, in contrast to the physiological

effects of acupuncture

Polarity reversal Within the body, reversal of normal electrical polarity is associated

with pathology; appropriate therapeutic interventions may renormalize such reversals.

Polarization (1) Separation of positive and negative electrical charges, on either side of a

cell membrane for instance. (2) Application of fixed-polarity positive and negative

probes to different zones on the body.

Post-Heaven (postnatal) qi (hou tian zhi qi, 後天之氣) Acquired qi, derived from food

and air

Posttraumatic stress disorder Illness that develops following a traumatic incident, often

involving reexperiencing the event, or extreme sensitivity to normal life experiences

Potency Effective strength of a homeopathic preparation, increasing with potentization

Potentization Process of preparation of a homeopathic remedy involving serial dilution

and succussion that increases its potency

Power law Mathematical relationship between two parameters (aspects) of a system that

describes its structural organization or behavior

Prana In Ayurvedic tradition, the life force or vital energy, which permeates the body

and is especially concentrated along the midline in the chakras

PRE Progressive resistive exercise

Pregabalin Anticonvulsant also used for chronic inflammatory or functional pain

Pre-Heaven (prenatal) qi (xian tian zhi qi, 先天之氣) Congenital qi, inherited from the

ancestors, present at conception; determines basic constitution; stored in the kidney;

essential for children’s growth and development

Primary respiration “The primary respiratory mechanism” has five components: the

rhythmic movement of the brain and spinal cord, fluctuations of cerebrospinal fluid,

the reciprocal tension membrane, the osteo-articular mechanism, and the involuntary

motion of the sacrum. These activities of the CNS are described as having a motion

with “inhalation” and “exhalation” phases and that a practitioner connecting directly

(through specific palpation) with the primary respiratory mechanism could bring about

a therapeutic response.

Proprioception Feedback system between peripheral muscles and nerves and the CNS,

allowing (unconscious) perception of movement and spatial orientation on the basis of

stimuli from within the body itself

Proto-mind A non-conceptual precursor of mind present in all organisms, and possibly

from the beginning of the universe. Phenomenologically, proto-mind experience is

thus based more in body than mind.

Psychoanalytical energy psychotherapy Method developed by Phil Mollon using TFT,

often together with free association

Psychological reversal Term developed by Roger Callahan referring to conditions in

which a person's energy system is organized against health or recovery; indicated by

reversed muscle responses (testing weak in response to positive self-statements, and

vice versa)

Psycho-neuro-endocrine-immunological A condition involving interaction between

psychological processes and the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems

Psychoneuroimmunology The study of the interactions between psychological factors

PTSD Posttraumatic stress disorder

Pulling down the heavens Exercise in qigong

Pure yang (純陽) Yang at its maximal potential, in children

Purifying Purifying exercises cleanse the physical, energy, and/or spiritual body.

QED Quantum electrodynamics

Qi Chinese term meaning ‘energy’; throughout Chinese philosophy (daoism) and

medicine, qi is a vitalistic concept (part agency, part image [form], part metaphor), of

key importance in health promotion and therapeutics; ‘metaphor for

interconnectedness’; in art, philosophy, Confucianism

Qi deficiency Pattern of disharmony in which qi is insufficient to perform one or more of

its functions

Qi stagnation (氣滯) Qi that is “stuck,” not moving

Qigong Compound term, literally “energy practice”; a formalized set of movements with

daoyin as their generic core; an energy-based mind–body movement therapy used for

healing, preventing diseases, and improving quality of life

Qigong chupian Qigong-emerging deviation

Qigong piancha Qigong-related deviation

Qigong suozhi jingsheng zhangai Qigong-induced mental disorder

QOL Quality of life

Quantum Indivisible unit of energy; for electromagnetic radiation its value is the

frequency multiplied by Planck’s constant

Quantum electrodynamics A theory describing how light and matter interact

Quantum entanglement Non-local connection of two or more spatially separated objects

that can no longer be adequately described without full mention of the others

Quantum potential Unlike the classical notion of potential (e.g., of an electron), this is a

complex pattern of encoded information about the electron’s physical environment.

Quantum reality Reality at the atomic and subatomic levels

Quantum touch A practice devised by polarity therapist Richard Gordon, based on a

technique known as “therapeutic touch” devised by Dolores Krieger in the early

1970s. Krieger’s method is aimed at restoring the free flow of prana within the

patient.

Quantum wholeness The unanalyzable nature of quantum systems, such as the observer

and observed at the moment of an observation

R wave The high-amplitude wave in a normal ECG, signifying the initiation of

ventricular contraction via the atrioventricular node

Radionics Method of diagnosis and treatment at a distance using specially designed

instruments whose settings (“rates”) correspond to different organs, diseases, and

remedies (different radionic systems use different rates)

Randori Sparring, in martial arts

Rational emotive therapy Forerunner of cognitive behavioral therapy

RCT Randomized controlled trial

Re Heat (more commonly translated as fever)

Reductionist Standpoint seeking to describe a phenomenon in terms of its component

parts, without reference or respect to the whole

Reed eye-movement acupressure psychotherapy Combination of eye movement

desensitization and reprocessing, TFT, and Emotional Freedom Techniques with self-

administered acupressure

Regulating The action of balancing and integrating different energies within the body

Reiki A healing tradition of Eastern origin whose purpose is to rebalance the complex

energy systems that compose the body when they have become out of balance. This

unbalancing may have physical manifestations, which can be relieved by the

channeling of energy from an unlimited universal energy source through the hands of

the practitioner.

Relaxation response A physical state of deep rest that changes the physical and

emotional responses to stress and the opposite of the fight-or-flight response

REMAP Reed eye-movement acupressure psychotherapy

Repolarization The reestablishment of polarity, especially the return of cell membrane

potential to resting potential after depolarization

Resistance Opposite of conductance

Resonance Matching of an applied signal frequency with the natural vibratory frequency

of an object that allows for greater interaction; this increased interaction is often

referred to as entrainment.

Retroid Class of virus; may also refer to bacterial elements

Reversal (jue, 厥) Reversal of qi flow is the third main imbalance in CM. Reversal or

rebellious qi indicates the flow of qi in the opposite direction to normal, resulting in

specific signs and symptoms. For example, digestive qi should move downward; when

there is reversal of digestive qi, the person may belch or vomit. Reversal of lung qi

results in cough or wheezing.

Reverse transcriptase DNA enzyme that transcribes single-stranded RNA into double-

stranded DNA

Rheomode Verb-based, flowing language developed by David Bohm

RNA Ribonucleic acid

ROM Range of movement

Rong qi (營氣) Nutritive qi, formed by the combination of lung qi and gu qi (often

known as ying qi)

RR (interbeat) interval Interval between two successive R-wave peaks, expressed either

in seconds (s) or milliseconds (ms)

RSD Reflex sympathetic dystrophy

Sahasrara सहस्रार (‘thousand-petaled lotus’) The seventh, or crown chakra, at the vertex

of the cranium

SAM Sympathetic-adrenomedullary system

Scalar Hypothetical type of immaterial waves lacking directionality

Scale invariance A mathematical property (an exact form of self-similarity) of a fractal

object or process; for example, in a scale-invariant time series, the appearance of

fluctuations may be precisely similar at widely different timescales.

Scaling dropout Pattern in which certain bands of scaling frequencies of a system

disappear and cease to transfer vital information

Sei points Japanese equivalent to jing points

Self-arranging Autopoietic or self-organizing

Self-organizing See Autopoiesis.

Self-similarity Property of an object whereby it is exactly or approximately similar to a

part of itself (see also Fractal)

Semiconductor Substance whose conductance is intermediate between that of a

conductor and an insulator

Serial dilution Dilution in some ratio of solution to solvent, which is then repeated using

the product as a new solution

Serotonin Monoamine neurotransmitter implicated in many aspects of CFS and FM

Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Antidepressant that increases the amount of

serotonin available

Shao (少) Small, intermediate, young

Shen Spirit, mind, or character

Sheng (生) cycle Creative, nutritive cycle of the five elements

Shenjing shuairuo Neurasthenia

Shenmi Mysterious, mystical

Shiatsu (指圧) A Japanese form of acupressure, in which pressure is applied by the

practitioner, using the thumb, elbow, or knee, perpendicularly to the skin at

acupoints/meridians, sometimes combined with passive stretching and rotation of the

joints

Shin (神) Spirit (Japanese equivalent of shen)

Shinto (神道) Way of the spirit; traditional Japanese religion

Shougong Receive energy

Sinus rhythm Normal beating of the heart at rest

Sinus tachycardia Rapid heartbeat caused by dysfunction of the pacemaker in the right

atrium of the heart

Soliton Localized wave packet that does not dissipate energy in its movement

Sotai Twentieth-century Japanese form of breath and movement therapy

Spectroscopy Study and measurement of a physical quantity over a range of values of

frequency/wavelength

SSRI Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor

Stage IV sleep The restorative and deepest stage of sleep

Standing wave A stationary wave through which energy moves

Status asthmaticus Severe, prolonged and progressive asthma attack unresponsive to

standard treatment; can lead to pulmonary insufficiency and be life-threatening

Stress The body’s nonspecific response to a demand placed on it and the consequences of

the failure to respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats

Substance P Neurotransmitter important in pain perception

Subtle energy Energy effect arising out of ‘form’ or ‘information’

Succussion Originally a repeated mechanical shock applied to a serial dilution, but can

be effected in other ways

Superimplicate order An order that observes the space–time manifestations of the

explicate order and feeds back into the implicate order

Sushumna One of the main pathways of nadism that is known as the central channel. It

begins at the base of the spine and ends at the top of the head

Svadisthana (‘one’s own abode’) The second chakra, at the pelvis

Sympathetic nervous system Thoracolumbar division of the ANS, preparing the body

for “fight or flight”

T lymphocyte The cells primarily responsible for cell-mediated immunity

Tachogram A graphic record of the movement and velocity of the blood flow

Tachypnea Rapid breathing

Tai (太) Large, maximum, adult

Taiji A physical exercise meditative movement therapy that focuses on learning to view

the world from a balanced perspective

Tantric medicine Medical system associated with the Indian psychospiritual methods of

tantra

Tapas acupressure technique Application of light pressure to specific areas on the face

and head while mentally addressing issues of concern

TAT Tapas acupressure technique

TDO Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase

Tendon changing A qigong practice

TENS Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Teyigongneng Special psychic abilities

TFT Thought-Field Therapy

Therapeutic agency Force or activity that restores health

Therapeutic potency Meaningful consequences (usually, causal efficacy) arising from

application of a therapeutic agent

Therapeutic touch A healing method based on the premise that the body possesses an

energy field that can be affected by the focused intention of the healer, using a

consciously directed exchange of energy between practitioner and patient. The

practitioner uses the hands as a focus so as to assess the patient's energy field, to

release areas where the free flow of energy is blocked, and to balance the patient's

energy, by transferring energy from a universal life energy force to the patient. (See

also Quantum touch.)

Third eye The “seat of insight,” the sixth chakra

Thought-field Term developed by Roger Callahan to denote the expression of a person's

thought as information in their body's energy field.

Three treasures In Chinese, qi, essence, and spirit

Tiaobing Harmonize illness

Tide (1) The periodic fluctuation in the surface level of the ocean and related bodies of

water, caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, or a specific occurrence of

such fluctuation. (2) Anything that fluctuates in a similar manner, as a physiological

variation or increase of a certain constituent in body fluids. For example, acid tide, a

temporary increase in the acidity of the urine, sometimes follows fasting.

Time series Series in which a sequence of values reveals a dynamic pattern over time, as

in the RR interbeat interval time series

Time structure Rhythmic order embedded within a time series

Tissue motility (1) Spontaneous movement. (2) The ability to move spontaneously.

TNF-α Tumor necrosis factor alpha

TNF-γTumor necrosis factor gamma

Tonifying The action of adding energy to the body from outside it

Treasure points (Twelve light points of the soul) Twelve acupuncture points,

surrounding baihui (Du-20) in three concentric circles

Triad of health The chiropractic concept of three interacting areas of health or sickness,

deriving from the chemical, the physical or structural, and the mental

Tricyclic antidepressant Type of antidepressant inhibiting reuptake of serotonin,

norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine (to a lesser extent)

TrP Trigger point

Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase An enzyme of the oxidoreductase class that catalyzes the

first step in tryptophan catabolism, the oxidation of tryptophan to N′-

formylkynurenine. The enzyme is a heme protein.

Tryptophan Essential amino acid precursor of serotonin

Tuina (推拿) Form of Chinese massage therapy

Tumor necrosis factor Either of two lymphokines that are capable of causing in vivo

hemorrhagic necrosis of certain tumor cells, but not affecting normal cells.

Ubuuki Honey

Ubuvuzi bwa Gihanga Traditional Rwandan medicine (after the legendary King

Gihanga)

Umukobwa utajya mu mihango Condition in which a woman of childbearing age finds

herself unable to have normal menstrual periods and thus is barren, due to

ensorcellment.

Umuvu Variant of kumanikira amaraso that is thought to cause overly abundant

menstrual flow

Umwami The Rwandan king

Umwamikazi Queen mother

Uncertainty principle Heisenberg's principle that certain pairs of physical properties,

such as position and momentum, cannot both be known precisely at the same time

Upper dantian Head center

URI Upper respiratory infection

Urujo Vessel that has never been used

Urukarango Girl who cannot menstruate

Vector potential A vector, such as a magnetic line of force, has both dimension and

direction (in contrast to a scalar such as temperature, which has dimension only). In a

vector field, such as a magnetic field, there is an associated vector at every point.

These thus have a vector potential (as contrasted with the scalar potential at points

around a source of heat, for example).

Vector A quantity with magnitude and direction

Vishuddha �वशुद्ध (‘purification’), the throat chakra

Vitalism The theory, opposed to mechanism, that biological activities are due to a vital

force or principle distinct from physical and chemical forces

VO2 Oxygen consumption

Wai External

Wave function Equation describing the probability of a particle being in a given state

Wave packet Short burst of wave action that travels as a unit

Wavelength The distance between successive wave crests; different colors of light have

different wavelengths

Weak nuclear force One of four fundamental interactions in nature, weaker than

electromagnetic force and the strong nuclear force, but stronger than the gravitational

force

Wei qi A type of qi that is defensive, which protects and warms the body

Whorf-Sapir hypothesis That there is a link between the cultural concepts enfolded

within a language and the worldview of the native speakers of that language

Witness state A broad relaxed attention to the flow of the present moment

Working field of influence Active and maintained application of different vectors or

directions of pressure (traction/stretching, rotation), which are then held, combined,

and directed into or through or across an area of tightness, congestion, or absence

Wuji (無極) Infinite (space)

Xingyi (形意,) An internal martial art similar to taiji quan

X-signal system Primitive (deep-level) biological information system at the heart of

acupuncture theory that ultimately regulates all life processes but is unexplainable by

current neurophysiology

Yang (陽) The relatively yang constituents of the body are qi and the body’s

physiological function. The “hollow” organs (fu) that primarily function for storage

and transport are yang: large intestine, urinary bladder, gallbladder, small intestine,

sanjiao (division of the body into three cavities without distinct anatomical organs),

and stomach.

Yang deficiency Similar to qi deficiency, but with symptoms of cold in addition

Yellow bile One of the four humors in Yunani, along with black bile, blood, and phlegm

Yin (陰) The relatively yin constituents of the body are the essence (jing), blood (xue),

and fluids (jin ye), its more material/structive aspects. The “solid” organs (zang),

which carry out the physiological processes of qi production, transformation, and

metabolism, are yin: lung, kidney, liver, heart, pericardium, and spleen/pancreas.

Yin deficiency Insufficiency of yin constituents (essence, blood, body fluids) or

insufficiency of function in the yin organs (zang); may lead to symptoms of apparent

excess of yang.

Ying qi (營氣) A type of qi that is constructive and supports and nourishes the body

Yinggong Hard qigong

Yin-yang In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang refer to the opposites that occur in nature

(e.g., female-male, Earth-Heaven, night-day, soft-hard, emotional-rational, cold-hot).

Yin and yang are not absolute opposites but exist in dynamic equilibrium: day evolves

into night, night evolves into day.

Young yang and young yin Yang and yin in children, not yet fully developed

Yuan qi Original qi; source energy

Yunani Near Eastern humoral medicine

Yuzhouyu Universal language, a form of speaking in tongues

Zangfu (臟腑) Composite term, extensively used in CM and daoist health promotion

practices, referring to the main internal organs of the body categorized as six “solid”

(zang) and six “hollow” (fu) organs

ZB Zero balancing

Zhangai Disorder

Zhenjiu (針灸) Acupuncture and moxibustion

Zhenxue (針穴) Acupuncture point (literally, ‘needle pit’)

Ziwoanshi Autosuggestion

Zong qi (宗氣) Ancestral qi that is responsible for respiration and circulation

Zouhuo rumo “Leave the path and evil will enter,” indigenous notion of qigong

possession; more or less equivalent to ‘qigong-induced psychosis’

Zygote Single cell formed by the union of sperm and ovum before cell division occurs

and it develops into the embryo